Burn-out and friends

It's been a while since I've written.

Why?

Life happens. And death.

Essentially, there is a lot that has happened in my life, but in addition to that...

I have found that being bound to a schedule can put a damper on the enjoyment factor of my runs. However. I am trying to look at the schedule as an "opportunity" rather than a frustration.

Apparently, being discouraged in running, and feeling a little burnt out isn't that unusual. Especially when, like me, a person finds herself (or himself) training pretty much entirely alone. Well, that doesn't need to be quite so much that way anymore.

I'm not really sure why I do that to myself. Go go go... and then realize, "dear me! I can't do this by myself anymore!"

But in training for a marathon... ahem... who would want to run with me all... 10... 12... 15... 20 miles? So... I'm asking for people to bike next to me. It's actually quite fun.

I'm also realizing the incredible importance of variety in my life by way of active things. Because the fact of the matter is that I enjoy being active. I run because I like it, and because it happens to be one of the least expensive sports to maintain.

So... out come me behaving more socially again. Sheesh... sometimes it's just a matter of ASKING other people. I find that there are those who are quite willing! Okay... so some of them I have to beg a little, but still!!! If I start promising ice cream at the end, my treat, would you come???

But as far as other activities, that is a much easier crowd to get myself involved in. For instance, climbing.

I can hardly say how much I love climbing. My brother and I used to do indoor climbing places quite a bit together when we were younger. I never did do anything outside... that has yet to come... But I went climbing with a good friend at Vertical Endeavors the other day... Wow. Amazing. I need chalk and to learn a bit, but yup. So incredible. The mind work, the almost living puzzle of getting yourself up the wall the best way... sweet amazingness. And the feeling. I don't even know how to describe the feeling, except that it is thrilling.

Running may have become my focus, but it had become almost too much. Too much the same... I compared it to eating the same fabulous meal too many days in a row. It still is "good," but I was getting tired of the same thing... So... switching it up a bit, getting others involved with me, changing my own perspective, and hooray! Not quite so burnt out.

I've also been told that I need to stop looking at my time so much as it is my first marathon. So help me, just gotta get across the finish line before the 6 hour time limit. Thank you... you're right. Time another day, another race. For now, do my best, but don't kill myself. Maybe. (smile...)

Also, I'm finding that raw foods before a good run are simply amazing. Raw nuts, fruit, (sometimes dried), honey, and seaweed! Raisins, too. And Mejool dates. And raw (gluten free) cereal type mixes with yogurt for right after is probably one of the most amazing things.

I'm also loving sweet potato! And... how's this for odd, but does eating egg before running slow anyone else down? Seriously... it's weird. Slows me down... I feel like I can barely move. That and most any meats right before a run. Bison a couple of hours before in small quantities seems to be okay.

And... another note... but electronic things can interfere with my energy levels. Truth be told, I've known this for a while, but last night was a perfect example. The TV was on until late, and I'm just a tad slower moving today... So... just a thought... Want to keep your energy levels up? Avoid the electronics! Turn off the computer early. Don't watch TV. Allow your body and mind and energy to just rejuvenate and "flow" back into a restful state.

I may sound a little odd as I say that... and I could talk more about it, and perhaps I will. But not today. (smile...) So... for now, enjoy! Live well, have fun with friends, and keep your perspective up!